Would-a, could-a, should-a.... Hard things to not do as a human: dwell upon things that we can't change. I have plenty of those also, to this day I blame myself for my father's death 100% - as a Nurse I should have known; could have done something; or would have done better. And while I know that I can't go down that path - I do.
I am not going to tell you to not feel guilty - because you will - even though you shouldn't.
I am not going to tell you it wasn't your fault - you won't believe me - but you should believe me - it wasn't.
I am also not going to agree with you that Mal was the only chicken that really liked you - that just isn't true - all your gals like you, and you know how I know this?
All I have to do is look at the photos of them waiting by the back door, jumping for blueberries, sitting near you.... being around you. The smile on your face, the stories you tell.
All your chickens - yes even Aurora think of you as part of their flock, they just show it in different ways - the same as people show friendship or affection in different ways. Everyone is different and animals are no different.
Should you forget 24 January? Nope absolutely not - it is a defining point in your life. But please be gentle with yourself - non of us can predict the future.
And remember - it's always ok to get misty eyed when thinking of loved ones. Just don't dwell on the sad too much - try to think of the good most of the time.
)
There is nothing better than being outside to cheer me up. I bet the same will be true for @TX Chick Noob the walls will feel like they are closing in. Please be sure to pay attention to your mental state as well as your leg.I definitely recommend sitting out when the weather is even somewhat nice and let the chickens come to you. Have a second chair or footstool or tree stump or rock you can rest the foot/leg on if necessary, but BE outside.
My leaf pile is sorely depleted too. I wish I had stored more in the dry like you do. The good thing though is mine are full of wriggly things!And then there were 8!
Way back in the fall, I had mentioned that my goal was to put away 32 bags of leaves for winter use. Well, I put away 34, plus 6 grain bags full of pine needles, plus a rolling trash bin full of leaves - in addition to having plenty in the run at that time.
Well, after putting out leaves this morning, I am down to just 8 bags of leaves and 1/2 grain sack of pine needles.
I had really hoped that they would last until early-mid March. nope! With all the rain and everything wet all the time, I end up putting lots in the run to give them a dry base for walking/standing on/sun bathing in (WHEN it is sunny)
I guess the one good thing is that, while I am certainly going through shavings, too, it is that many fewer bags of shaving because of the leaves....and the chooks AND ducks like scratching/digging through a nice big pile of them, so they do the work of spreading for me....and it gives then something to do! (I tell them when I dump it out - okay girls, better get to work - you need to spread this pile out! - They never let me down in that department!
Chicken math includes subtraction......
Great photos!
